ShadowsofNight (8 page)

“I see dread in your eyes. Is that because of these?” He
pointed at his teeth as he got up.

“No…I don’t know.” She backed away from him.

“I sense pain. You’ve been through something bad. Who hurt
you?” he asked.

“One of
your
fucking kind, all right? He killed my
family!
That’s
why I’m not excited by the idea of those fangs of yours
getting anywhere near me. If I don’t see them, that’s one thing. But close and
personal? They remind of things I’d rather forget.” She grabbed her boxers and
torn shirt from the floor and pulled them on. “Honestly, this whole situation
between you and I freaks me out. I shouldn’t want anything to do with you or
anyone like you after what happened to my family. And I sure as hell don’t want
to
become
like you—ever.”

He took a deep breath, trying to ignore her insults. She
definitely had every reason to feel that way if she’d lost loved ones because
of a vampire.

“Was it your husband who was killed?” He hoped not. That
would be a difficult hurdle to overcome.

“My mom and stepdad. I was thirteen when it happened.” She
tied the front of her shirt together in a knot in an attempt to conceal those
luscious breasts.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” He wanted her to know he cared,
and that it wasn’t an act.

“Why? You didn’t know them.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“No, I didn’t. But if it caused you harm, that’s enough for
me.”

“We don’t know each other well enough for you to care that
much about what I feel.”

“Not yet, but I plan on getting to know you a hell of a lot
better.” He drew closer.

“Stop. This thing between us is nuts. I can’t believe how
quickly my life has turned upside down because of this situation. I’ll probably
be sitting at a desk job for the rest of my fucking career, and that’s if I
don’t see prison.” She let out a shaky breath.

“You’ll never go to prison.
That
I can guarantee. I
can’t do anything about your career though.” He pressed his lips together.

“I can’t stay. You have to let me go,” Emma urged.

“We’ll discuss this later. If I let you go now, you’ll cause
me nothing but problems.” He’d already kidnapped her. If he took her back, he
might never see her again, and that was simply out of the question.

“My team will keep looking and eventually they’ll find me.”

“I’ll take my chances.” He walked toward her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She scowled at him.

“It means we both know you’re expendable. They sent you
undercover for a reason. Obviously they don’t want the public to know of our
existence, so I’m not really all that concerned.”

Emma knew better. “It’s you’re funeral. They’ll come after
me.”

The expression on his face told her it was pointless to
argue. It was clear he wasn’t going to change his mind tonight.

“I have more than one residence and my security is much
tighter than yours, Miss Hayes.”

“It’s not
that
tight because I breached it.”
You
don’t have a comeback for that one, do you, smart-ass?

“So it seems. Now tell me about the vampire who attacked
your family.”

Is he serious?
“Why do you care, bloodsucker?”

“Do you want to avenge your family or continue insulting me?”

She looked away, her emotions a cluster spinning out of
control. She shouldn’t have said anything about her past. But he’d caught her
at a vulnerable moment. “And what makes you think I want your help? Besides, it
was a long time ago.”

“Because what was done to your family has given you a
tainted image of
me
. I want to rectify that picture.”

“It would take a lot for me to think differently of anyone
like you.” Who was she kidding? If nothing else, her actions certainly proved
otherwise.

“Not all of us hunt humans. Why can’t you accept that some
of us might want to live among your kind in peace?”

“My opinion is skewed because of life’s shitty deal. Can you
blame me?”

“No, I suppose not.” He lay back down on the bed and rested
his head against the pillow. “Come sit with me.” He patted the spot next to
him.

“I’m comfortable right here.” She watched him from across
the room. He was amazing to look at. There was no question. But weren’t all of
them inhumanly beautiful? Wasn’t it a part of the charm that drew you in?

“Emma, you can trust me. I’ll be a gentleman, promise. Come,
rest.”

“No thank you. I’m good.”

“I give my word.” His voice was silky-smooth like a warm
caress.

She
was
weary, and the bed did look pretty
comfortable. It had also been a really long night.

“Fine.” She went over to the bed and sat on the edge.

“There’s no need to fear me. I don’t bite,” he grinned.

“You’re very funny. Is that supposed to be vampire humor?
Ha-ha.” She looked up at the ceiling.

“You could lighten up a little. I’ll take the chair over
there if it makes you more comfortable.”

“I can’t let my guard down. You make me feel things I
shouldn’t and I don’t like it.”
I shouldn’t have admitted that.
She hung
her head.

“I wasn’t expecting you either,” he whispered, “but there’s
nothing we can do about it now.”

“It’s a complication for us both, isn’t it?” She glanced
over her shoulder at him.

“Quite,” he agreed. “Come lie with me. We’ll just sleep.”

She nodded, crawling toward him. Christian grabbed the
afghan at the end of the bed and threw it over her. Emma laid her head against
the pillow with her back to him. He eased up behind and wrapped his arms around
her, drawing her into his embrace. She tensed at first, but finally relaxed. It
was going to take time to get her to trust him, which wouldn’t be easy
considering what he’d already learned.

He stared at the heavy curtains covering the windows. He
thought about her family and the reasons why she hated his kind. He didn’t
blame her. He’d feel the same. Anger filled him over what she might have
witnessed. The desire to make her his mate was growing stronger. It was hard to
believe he was even considering it after centuries of bachelorhood. Getting her
to agree was going to be a challenge. He would need to avenge the wrong that
had been done to her before he had any hope of a relationship ever happening.

“I’m not sure how to fix this mess.” He heard her mumble
under her breath.

“Maybe you weren’t meant too.” Fate was a funny thing neither
of them had bargained for.

“My career is important to me. All those years of training
and discipline to get where I am today and for what? It doesn’t make sense, my
response to you.” She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling.

That stung.
“Can’t help you there.” He lifted up on
his elbow and stared down at her. “I’m still trying to figure it out myself,”
he sighed.

“You could let me go.” She turned to face him.

“I can’t do that.” He took in her hopeful expression. Damn,
he’d give her anything else. “Tell me what happened to you.” He hoped finding
her parents’ killer might be the key to changing her opinion—at least where he
was concerned.

“Why? You can’t fix it.” She glanced at him warily. “I know
what you’re thinking.”

“Do you?” He raised an eyebrow.

“If you’re thinking about going on some wild goose chase,
don’t bother, I’ve already tried. You won’t find anything.” She rolled onto her
other side, facing away from him again.

“You’d be surprised what I’m capable of uncovering about my
kind,” he whispered against her ear. He felt a slight shiver pass through her.

“Can we drop the subject for now?” She closed her eyes,
clearly refusing to say more.

“Get some rest.” He kissed the top of her head, deciding it
was best to let it go for now. They’d discuss it soon, though. She’d been
wronged, and whoever had harmed her would pay. He wanted to earn her trust, and
this certainly would be a good starting point.

He just had to find a way to convince her to stay with him
in the meantime, but not against her will. And that wasn’t going to be easy.

“Damn, I overslept.” Emma patted the bed, still half-asleep.
Need shower and coffee. Yeah, where’s the coffee? Did I set the timer? I
always forget because of these damn late-night hours.
“Crap.” Her eyes flew
open.

“It seems you’re not quite awake.” A familiar voice made her
freeze as last night came flooding back into her memory.

She glanced up at him and frowned. “Shit.”

“You’re in a rather unpleasant mood. Are you hungry?” Christian
asked. He was already dressed in a pair of faded low-slung jeans and a white
t-shirt that stretched across his impressive chest. Part of his tattoo was
visible and wrapped seductively around his left arm. His hair was damp and
tousled and his masculine scent made her belly clench.

“I’m grumpy when I wake up, so what.” She rubbed her eyes.

“If you follow me into the kitchen, I’ll make you something
to eat.”

“You have real food in the house? Wow, I thought you only
drank the red stuff.”

“No, there’s food.” He looked back and grinned. “Cereal isn’t
hard to make, is it?”

“It depends on who’s making it,” she replied.
Smart-ass…

“Good, follow me then.”

Emma climbed off the bed and trailed behind him. “This place
is huge.” She looked around the spacious interior. Money and what it could
afford. She preferred things more basic. At least this place wasn’t too extreme,
like his office.

“Is it? I hadn’t noticed.” He shrugged.

“That’s because you wealthy folks don’t live in the normal
world.”

“I suppose you’re right. My success has afforded me certain
luxuries that most aren’t accustomed too. My idea of normal and yours are
probably worlds apart. Though if you’re wondering about this manor, it’s been
in my family for centuries.”

“So your family has money.”

“Yes.”

“It’s a nice place.” The idea of liking anything about the
situation she found herself in should make her angry. She was still upset with
him for kidnapping her but it was hard to stay angry, even though she wanted to
be.

“Sounds like you don’t approve of my wealth.”

“It doesn’t matter what I think.” She noticed the walls were
made of stone and the windows were covered with heavy tapestries that blocked
out the sun.

“
Really
grumpy this morning…” he teased.

“What time is it?” She couldn’t allow him to suck her back in
again by using his charm. If it was daylight, maybe she could escape.

“It’s seven thirty,” he replied.

“In the morning?”
Great, now to just find a way out of
here.

“No, in the evening. Why?”

“I slept the whole day away!” she groaned.
Well, that
fucks up that plan.

“You did.” They entered a huge kitchen with thick granite
countertops, a mantel hearth with a seven-burner cooking alcove, pine floors
and an enormous island in the center.

“Why do you have a kitchen if no one eats here?” she asked,
walking around the island in amazement.

“All homes have kitchens, Emma, why should mine be any
different?” He walked over to the large refrigerator and opened one of the
double doors, grabbing a gallon of milk and setting it on the counter.

“Hmm, I guess that’s true. Where’re your bowls? I’ll grab
one.” She started opening cabinets.

“I’m not sure, to tell you the truth. I don’t really come in
here that much.” He shrugged, helping her look. He found a bowl and placed it
on the counter with a spoon he’d fished out of a drawer. “If you tell me what
kind of food you like, I’ll have one of my staff pick some things up for you.” He
poured some cereal and milk into the bowl and handed it to her.

“That’s not necessary, since I won’t be staying.” She
grabbed the cereal and took several hungry bites.

“You’re not going anywhere, so you’d better get used to it.”
He didn’t flinch.

Emma bristled, trying to rein in her temper before it got
the best of her. “You can’t keep me here.” She continued eating.
Whatever,
buddy.
I’m outta here.

“Yes, I can. Just watch me.” He crossed his arms over his huge
chest. “And if you think about leaving during the day, I’ve got that covered
too. Human guards, plus there are steel shutters that electronically cover all
the windows during the day.”

She placed her bowl on the counter. “You have no idea what the
people I work for are capable of, Christian. I’m not messing around here. If
you let me go, maybe I can arrange a meeting. I can explain the situation. Tell
them you’re not a threat. Maybe there’s a way we can work together. If you keep
me, there will be no chance at negotiation.” She hoped he would listen to
reason.

“I’ll think about it.”

Did he not grasp the situation?
Stubborn male.

“I need a shower.” Emma walked away, trying her best to
remain calm even though she was far from it. She wanted to knock him on his
ass, but getting close to him wasn’t good either. She didn’t need another
reminder of how much he affected her.

“How about I wash your back for you?” he asked, following behind
her.

“No thanks.” She glanced over her shoulder to catch his gaze
traveling the length of her body. “I’m a big girl. I think I can handle it.”

“That’s too bad; you might’ve enjoyed a deep-tissue massage.”

That
part she believed. His touch was no joke. There
should be warning labels on every inch of the man.

“I’ll pass. Do you have anything I can wear?” she asked as he
continued to follow her back to his room.

“I’m sure I can find you something. The bathroom is through
there.” He pointed.

“Thanks.” Emma went inside the room, closed the door and
locked it, even though she knew it wouldn’t keep him out if he really wanted
in. She stripped out of what was left of her pajamas and stepped into the
walk-in shower. She turned the nozzle and let the hot jets hit her skin,
lifting her face into the stream.

How did everything go so ass-backward on her? The worst
mistake any undercover agent could make was to fall for a target. But there it was.
She cared about the guy already, and that wasn’t good. Cain was out there
looking for her. She had no doubt. He wouldn’t
not
try to recover one of
his own, especially her.

Emma shut off the water and grabbed a towel.A light
rap on the door drew her from her thoughts.

“May I come in?” Christian’s sexy voice caused her to shiver
and heat bloomed inside her core. No change, the effect was always the same.
Her body wanted him.

“Give me a minute.” She tightened the towel around her frame
and tucked a corner between her breasts. She went over to the door and opened it.
“What is it?”

“Feeling better after your shower, maybe a little less
grumpy?” He smiled, leaning against the frame of the door. Why did he have to
be so nice? His gaze lowered to her breasts and her nipples pearled in response.

“Yeah, I feel much better, thanks.” She cleared her throat.
The man was more than gorgeous, he was sexy personified. Emma stepped around
him and walked over to the bed.

“Are these for me?” She picked up the sweats and t-shirt he’d
laid out for her and tried to ignore him.

“Yes, it’s all I could find.”

“I’ll make do.” She pulled the sweats on under her towel,
using the drawstring to cinch then tighten them around her waist. They were too
big but at least they’d stay up. She grabbed the shirt and dropped the towel. A
low growl from behind caused her heartbeat to speed up erratically.
Not
again, Hayes. Get a fucking grip.
She pulled the t-shirt over her head and
continued to ignore him.

“Your tattoo is beautiful. I like dragons. It’s an
interesting choice. Who designed it for you?”

“A friend, several years back.” She turned around to face
him. Her blood heated at the way he looked at her. She didn’t really like
talking about her past. Most of it remained a blur. Her pain had blotted out many
of her childhood memories and her teenage years were a mess after her mother’s
death.

“Is there a special meaning behind it?”

“Yes.”
Damn, he’s full of questions.
“I wouldn’t place
a tattoo on my skin unless it meant something. I don’t want flowers and stupid
stuff. I never understand people who mark their bodies with shit that means
nothing.”

“Neither do I.” He smiled. “What does yours represent?”

He wasn’t going to give up until she told him. “Why are you
so interested?”

“It’s a simple question.”

“My parents’ deaths deeply affected me. I acted out by
cutting school, getting into fights, stealing. You name it, I probably did it.
A counselor I was assigned to by my juvenile probation officer introduced me to
a man who changed my life. His name was Sansei Ito. He taught me jujitsu and
meditation and it helped me channel my pain in a more positive direction.”

“It sounds like he was a good influence.”

“Sansei used to call me his little fire dragon because I had
a flash temper. He wasn’t kidding; back then it didn’t take much to piss me
off. I guess it stuck with me, so I had the symbol tattooed on my back. But it
means more than that now. It reminds me that I have fire inside me, my own
special kind of power. What about you?”

“Mine represents my inner warrior, his strength, loyalty to
the Order, among other things.”

“I like it. It’s the first thing I noticed when I saw you.
You’re a Hunter too then, right, like the others?”

“I’m retired, remember.” Christian frowned.

“You did mention that. Why did you quit?” It was time turn
the tables and ask him a few questions.

“That’s my brother’s calling, not mine. Like I told you
before, I help out when summoned but I prefer to stay out of it.”

“And these Rogue vampires are the ones responsible for
killing humans?”

“Yes.”

“Then what are you doing just sitting up there in your
pretty glass building? If you’re such a good guy, how come you’re not helping
put a stop to them?” She placed her hands on her hips.

“I have my reasons.”

“Why, are you too busy making your millions to get involved?”

“I don’t expect you to understand what’s been going on for
centuries. I grew weary of the feuding factions, so I got out.” He shook his
head, obviously irritated by her question.

“Where’s the human?”

“What the—” Emma glanced over her shoulder at the handsome
male with piercing amber eyes who suddenly appeared in the room out of nowhere.

The guy was a towering presence, with his booming voice and
massive frame that stood over six feet. His tanned skin and dark, curly hair
was gorgeous. She guessed he was either Greek or Italian but she couldn’t be
sure. Muscular, with a face so eerily beautiful it was hard to look away. He
didn’t have the same effect on her as Christian, but damn, he was still breathtaking
all the same. Where did he come from?

“Roman, what are you doing here?” Christian tensed as he
turned to face him.

“Marcus sent me.” The stranger glanced at her, and then back
at Christian.

“Is there a problem?” Christian asked.

“I’m here to find out.” Roman’s expression was serious.

“As you can plainly see, everything is fine. I’ll report to
him in a few days.” Christian’s tone was dismissive.

“He’s not pleased with you, Christian, especially after
hearing you took Miss Parker by force from her residence last night. He wants
her returned to her family immediately.”

“Tell him he was misinformed. Miss Parker is staying here
with me as my guest.” Christian’s tone hardened.

“Not if you’ve kidnapped her, she isn’t. Marcus wishes to
speak with her. Let her go with me peacefully or you will face punishment,” he warned.

“She stays. Now leave.” Christian stepped in front of Emma.
The situation was quickly escalating as the two men faced off. Roman equally
matched Christian in size, and she got the sense he was no one to mess with.

“I serve the Elders, not you.” His tone was hard and
unyielding. “I warn you. Do not make me do something that pains me, brother.
She’s coming with me.”

Emma watched the exchange and tried to weigh her options. If
she went with this stranger, what would happen to Christian?

Suddenly her need to protect him outweighed her desire to
leave.

“I haven’t harmed her so there isn’t any reason for Marcus
to interfere.”

“This isn’t up for debate,” Roman growled.

“You’ll have to come through me first, Sentinel.” Christian
took a step forward. Roman raised an eyebrow, apparently unfazed by his threat.

“This will not end well for you, brother.” He waved him
closer with his hand.

“I’m not your brother.” Christian crouched slightly, ready
to strike.

Emma was shocked by his behavior.
He’s really going to
battle to keep me here. Shit, I need to do something.

“Wait a minute, you two Neanderthals!” Emma tried to step
between them.

“No!” Christian grabbed her.

“Let me handle this!” She glared at Christian. “Look, Roman,
or whoever the hell you are, I’m fine right here, so there’s no need for you to
rescue me.”

“You want to stay here after he’s kidnapped you?” His
expression was one of surprise.

She wanted to leave, but not this way. Not if it meant
Christian would get hurt. “Yes, I do. Marcus has been misinformed. Please tell
him that I wish to remain here.”

“Why do I sense deception in the air around you?” He moved
closer. Christian let loose a threatening growl.

“Come any closer and it won’t be just
him
you’ll have
to fight. I’m staying put. You got that?” She put up her fists, ready to take a
swing.

Roman looked at Christian and then back at her in amazement.
“Very well. I’ll report your desire to stay to Marcus. I apologize, Christian,
for my intrusion.”